WASHINGTON (AP) — Surging prices for gas, food and rent catapulted U.S. inflation to a new four-decade peak in June, further pressuring households and likely sealing the case for another large interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, with higher borrowing costs to follow.

Consumer prices soared 9.1% compared with a year earlier, the government said Wednesday, the biggest 12-month increase since 1981, and up from an 8.6% jump in May. On a monthly basis, prices rose 1.3% from May to June, another substantial increase, after prices had jumped 1% from April to May.

The ongoing price increases underscore the brutal impact that inflation has inflicted on many families, with the costs of necessities, in particular, rising much faster than average incomes. Lower-income and Black and Hispanic Americans have been hit especially hard, because a disproportionate share of their income goes toward such essentials as housing, transportation and food.

Some economists have held out hope that inflation might be reaching or nearing a short-term peak. Gas prices, for example, have fallen from the eye-watering $5 a gallon reached in mid-June to an average of $4.66 nationwide as of Tuesday — still far higher than a year ago but a drop that could help slow inflation for July and possibly August.

In addition, shipping costs and commodity prices have begun to fall. Pay increases have slowed. And surveys show that Americans' expectations for inflation over the long run have eased — a trend that often points to more moderate price increases over time.

Yet for now, the relentless spike in inflation has caused a steep drop in consumers’ confidence in the economy, sent President Joe Biden’s approval ratings tumbling and posed a major political threat to Democrats in the November congressional elections. Forty percent of adults said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">in a June AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that they thought tackling inflation should be a top government priority this year, up from just 14% who said so in December.

In the immediate aftermath of the 2020 pandemic recession, as Americans focused their spending on items for the home, like furniture, appliances and exercise equipment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-economy-prices-5ebdc188d7b2f6eaaedeff863c49ba67">supply chains became overwhelmed and prices for physical goods soared</a>. But as consumer spending has gradually shifted away from goods and toward services like vacation travel, restaurants meals, movies, concerts and sporting events, some of the highest price increases have occurred in services.

Housing, in particular, has been seized by some of the highest inflation rates in the economy, causing hardships for many. A shortage of houses for sale has sent home prices skyrocketing just as mortgage rates have also soared.

With many people priced out of the market for houses and looking instead to rent, demand for apartments has sent rental rates beyond affordable levels. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-home-sales-prices-b9afc4e250784ddbfa7a8e125781badb">national median home price jumped 14.8% in May from a year earlier to $407,600</a>. That’s an all-time high according to data to 1999, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The persistence of high inflation has unnerved Chair Jerome Powell and other Fed officials, who are engaged in the fastest series of rate hikes since the late 1980s to try to slow the price spikes. The central bank is expected to raise its key short-term rate later this month by a hefty three-quarters of a point, as it did last month, with potentially more large rate hikes to follow.

Powell has stressed that the central bank wants to see “compelling evidence” that inflation is slowing before it would dial back its rate hikes. Such evidence would need to be a “series of declining monthly inflation readings,” Powell said at a news conference last month.

Many economists worry that the Fed’s drive to quell inflation will cause it to tighten credit too aggressively even while the economy, by some measures, is slowing. Much higher borrowing costs could trigger a recession, potentially by next year.

Consumers have started to pull back on spending, home sales are falling as mortgage rates rise and factory output slipped in May. Yet steadily robust job growth points to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-signs-of-economic-resilience-e83d996c4a6320b5785dde94d6c2f125">an economy that is still expanding</a>, with little sign of an imminent recession.

Though inflation is likely to slow later this year, it’s not clear by how much. Oil prices fell Tuesday to about $96 a barrel. And other commodities, including metals such as copper, have also become less expensive, mostly because of recession fears in both the United States and Europe.

With fewer ships stuck at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, America’s largest, shipping costs for international freight have fallen. Wholesale gas prices have fallen to about $3.40 a gallon, which suggests that retail prices could drop to as low as $4.20 by August, according to Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights.

And wholesale used car prices are also falling, which point to declining used car prices in the coming months.

Yet plenty of items are still rising in price, notably apartment rents. The average cost of new leases has jumped 14% in the past year, according to real estate brokerage Redfin, to an average of $2,016 a month.

Rents as measured by the government’s inflation index have risen more slowly because they include all rents, including existing leases. But economists expect the rising expense of new leases to send the government’s inflation measure higher in coming months.

Inflation has spiked overseas as well. It reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-86c72bd6424d616ee32934e440b58aea">9.1% in the United Kingdom</a>&nbsp;in May, the highest level in four decades, driven mostly by higher gas and food prices. Annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-prices-977c2d02eb7b745542c970908ea72cd4">inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries hit 8.6%</a>&nbsp;in June, surging past the 8.1% recorded in May. Inflation is now at its highest level since recordkeeping for the euro began in 1997.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642689710083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Surging prices for gas, food and rent catapulted U.S. inflation to a new four-decade peak in June, further pressuring households and likely sealing the case for another large interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, with higher borrowing costs to follow.Consumer prices soared 9.1% compared with a year earlier, the government said Wednesday, the biggest 12-month increase since 1981, and up from an 8.6% jump in May. On a monthly basis, prices rose 1.3% from May to June, another substantial increase, after prices had jumped 1% from April to May.The ongoing price increases underscore the brutal impact that inflation has inflicted on many families, with the costs of necessities, in particular, rising much faster than average incomes. Lower-income and Black and Hispanic Americans have been hit especially hard, because a disproportionate share of their income goes toward such essentials as housing, transportation and food.Some economists have held out hope that inflation might be reaching or nearing a short-term peak. Gas prices, for example, have fallen from the eye-watering $5 a gallon reached in mid-June to an average of $4.66 nationwide as of Tuesday — still far higher than a year ago but a drop that could help slow inflation for July and possibly August.In addition, shipping costs and commodity prices have begun to fall. Pay increases have slowed. And surveys show that Americans' expectations for inflation over the long run have eased — a trend that often points to more moderate price increases over time.Yet for now, the relentless spike in inflation has caused a steep drop in consumers’ confidence in the economy, sent President Joe Biden’s approval ratings tumbling and posed a major political threat to Democrats in the November congressional elections. Forty percent of adults said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-inflation-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-economy-8702782d77505f711272f5f9d988d73f">in a June AP-NORC poll</a>&nbsp;that they thought tackling inflation should be a top government priority this year, up from just 14% who said so in December.In the immediate aftermath of the 2020 pandemic recession, as Americans focused their spending on items for the home, like furniture, appliances and exercise equipment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-economy-prices-5ebdc188d7b2f6eaaedeff863c49ba67">supply chains became overwhelmed and prices for physical goods soared</a>. But as consumer spending has gradually shifted away from goods and toward services like vacation travel, restaurants meals, movies, concerts and sporting events, some of the highest price increases have occurred in services.Housing, in particular, has been seized by some of the highest inflation rates in the economy, causing hardships for many. A shortage of houses for sale has sent home prices skyrocketing just as mortgage rates have also soared.With many people priced out of the market for houses and looking instead to rent, demand for apartments has sent rental rates beyond affordable levels. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-home-sales-prices-b9afc4e250784ddbfa7a8e125781badb">national median home price jumped 14.8% in May from a year earlier to $407,600</a>. That’s an all-time high according to data to 1999, according to the National Association of Realtors.The persistence of high inflation has unnerved Chair Jerome Powell and other Fed officials, who are engaged in the fastest series of rate hikes since the late 1980s to try to slow the price spikes. The central bank is expected to raise its key short-term rate later this month by a hefty three-quarters of a point, as it did last month, with potentially more large rate hikes to follow.Powell has stressed that the central bank wants to see “compelling evidence” that inflation is slowing before it would dial back its rate hikes. Such evidence would need to be a “series of declining monthly inflation readings,” Powell said at a news conference last month.Many economists worry that the Fed’s drive to quell inflation will cause it to tighten credit too aggressively even while the economy, by some measures, is slowing. Much higher borrowing costs could trigger a recession, potentially by next year.Consumers have started to pull back on spending, home sales are falling as mortgage rates rise and factory output slipped in May. Yet steadily robust job growth points to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jobs-report-signs-of-economic-resilience-e83d996c4a6320b5785dde94d6c2f125">an economy that is still expanding</a>, with little sign of an imminent recession.Though inflation is likely to slow later this year, it’s not clear by how much. Oil prices fell Tuesday to about $96 a barrel. And other commodities, including metals such as copper, have also become less expensive, mostly because of recession fears in both the United States and Europe.With fewer ships stuck at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, America’s largest, shipping costs for international freight have fallen. Wholesale gas prices have fallen to about $3.40 a gallon, which suggests that retail prices could drop to as low as $4.20 by August, according to Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights.And wholesale used car prices are also falling, which point to declining used car prices in the coming months.Yet plenty of items are still rising in price, notably apartment rents. The average cost of new leases has jumped 14% in the past year, according to real estate brokerage Redfin, to an average of $2,016 a month.Rents as measured by the government’s inflation index have risen more slowly because they include all rents, including existing leases. But economists expect the rising expense of new leases to send the government’s inflation measure higher in coming months.Inflation has spiked overseas as well. It reached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-consumer-86c72bd6424d616ee32934e440b58aea">9.1% in the United Kingdom</a>&nbsp;in May, the highest level in four decades, driven mostly by higher gas and food prices. Annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-russia-ukraine-prices-977c2d02eb7b745542c970908ea72cd4">inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries hit 8.6%</a>&nbsp;in June, surging past the 8.1% recorded in May. Inflation is now at its highest level since recordkeeping for the euro began in 1997.

US inflation rose more than expected; new 40-year high 

WASHINGTON —According to today’s Democrat party, if you believe that only women get pregnant, you are a bigot and responsible for violence, said U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri during a sharp exchange with Khiara M. Bridges, who is a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.

"For today’s left, disagreement with them equals violence, so you must not disagree," Hawley stated.

The exchange occurred during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on abortion policy in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

"Here it is. Clear as day," said Kansas Senator Roger Marshall. "This is the insanity being taught to our students by college professors in the twilight zone. Bravo to Senator Hawley for calling out the shallowness and ignorance the left displays when their woke ideology is challenged."

WASHINGTON —According to today’s Democrat party, if you believe that only women get pregnant, you are a bigot and responsible for violence, said U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri during a sharp exchange with Khiara M. Bridges, who is a professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Democrats say what they really think: men can get pregnant and if you disagree, you are “transphobic” and responsible for violence <a href="https://t.co/44CeIi5WvT">pic.twitter.com/44CeIi5WvT</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1546902849837322241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"For today’s left, disagreement with them equals violence, so you must not disagree," Hawley stated. The exchange occurred during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on abortion policy in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade."Here it is. Clear as day," said Kansas Senator Roger Marshall. "This is the insanity being taught to our students by college professors in the twilight zone. Bravo to Senator Hawley for calling out the shallowness and ignorance the left displays when their woke ideology is challenged."

🎥Senator accused of transphobic questioning during exchange with professor

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; Raley, Steven Hull Raley, 52, Alabaaster, Alabama, was westbound on Interstate 70. sixteen miles west of Colby.

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, traveled through the KDOT fence and continued for a quarter mile. 

The semi turned and came back through the KDOT fence, crossed both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 and came to rest in the south ditch.

&nbsp;EMS transported Raley to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Volvo semi driven by&nbsp; Raley, Steven Hull Raley, 52, Alabaaster, Alabama, was westbound on Interstate 70. sixteen miles west of Colby.The vehicle left the roadway to the right, traveled through the KDOT fence and continued for a quarter mile. The semi turned and came back through the KDOT fence, crossed both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 and came to rest in the south ditch.&nbsp;EMS transported Raley to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man dies after semi crash on I-70 in northwest Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine is getting an additional $1.7 billion in assistance from the U.S. government and the World Bank to pay the salaries of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-doctors-without-borders-government-and-politics-b87823403f6dc148a8d728e73ad2cbae">beleaguered health care workers</a>&nbsp;and provide other essential services.

The money coming Tuesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-agency-for-international-development">the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>, the Treasury Department and the World Bank is meant to alleviate the acute budget deficit caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">“brutal war of aggression,”</a>&nbsp;USAID said in a statement.

While many medical staffers have left Ukraine, some hospitals have shut down and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-maternity-hospital-pregnant-woman-dead-c0f2f859296f9f02be24fc9edfca1085">other hospitals have been bombed</a>. The health workers who remain in Ukraine do their jobs under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-tracker-b39137c3a96eef06f4ba1793fd694542">dire circumstances</a>.

Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s minister of health, said paying health workers’ salaries is becoming more difficult each month “due to the overwhelming burden of war.”

“$1.7 billion is not just yet another financial support; it is an investment that makes us a step closer to victory,” Liashko said in a statement.

To date, USAID has given $4 billion in budgetary support to the Ukrainian government. These funds have been used for keeping gas and electricity flowing to hospitals and schools, getting humanitarian supplies to citizens and paying the salaries of civil servants and teachers, the organization said.

USAID Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-biden-cabinet-samantha-power-foreign-policy-development-aid-0d4ef3c6c977129b0bbe59e9e726578d">Samantha Power</a>&nbsp;said that as Putin’s “assault on Ukraine’s public services continues, the United States is rushing in with financial support to help the government keep the lights on, provide essential services to innocent citizens and pay the health care workers who are providing lifesaving support on the frontlines.”

Last week, the Biden administration said it will send&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-government-and-politics-4bff4beeecc6067b6f4e3aa8584de108">another $400 million in military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine, the 15th package of military weapons and equipment transferred to Ukraine from Defense Department stocks since last August.

This new set of funds will be used for humanitarian purposes.

“This aid will help Ukraine’s democratic government provide essential services for the people of Ukraine,” Treasury Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-yellen">Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;said in a written statement.

Yellen said the money would “reach those who need it most at the front lines of Putin’s brutal and illegal war.”

Overall, the U.S. has sent about $7.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">the war began</a>&nbsp;in late February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657659622515.png" alt="USAID Administrator&nbsp;Samantha Power&nbsp;said that as Putin’s “assault on Ukraine’s public services continues, the United States is rushing in with financial support to help the government keep the lights on, provide essential services to innocent citizens and pay the health care workers who are providing lifesaving support on the frontlines.”-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>USAID Administrator&nbsp;Samantha Power&nbsp;said that as Putin’s “assault on Ukraine’s public services continues, the United States is rushing in with financial support to help the government keep the lights on, provide essential services to innocent citizens and pay the health care workers who are providing lifesaving support on the frontlines.”-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine is getting an additional $1.7 billion in assistance from the U.S. government and the World Bank to pay the salaries of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-doctors-without-borders-government-and-politics-b87823403f6dc148a8d728e73ad2cbae">beleaguered health care workers</a>&nbsp;and provide other essential services.The money coming Tuesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-agency-for-international-development">the U.S. Agency for International Development</a>, the Treasury Department and the World Bank is meant to alleviate the acute budget deficit caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">“brutal war of aggression,”</a>&nbsp;USAID said in a statement.While many medical staffers have left Ukraine, some hospitals have shut down and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-maternity-hospital-pregnant-woman-dead-c0f2f859296f9f02be24fc9edfca1085">other hospitals have been bombed</a>. The health workers who remain in Ukraine do their jobs under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-tracker-b39137c3a96eef06f4ba1793fd694542">dire circumstances</a>.Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s minister of health, said paying health workers’ salaries is becoming more difficult each month “due to the overwhelming burden of war.”“$1.7 billion is not just yet another financial support; it is an investment that makes us a step closer to victory,” Liashko said in a statement.To date, USAID has given $4 billion in budgetary support to the Ukrainian government. These funds have been used for keeping gas and electricity flowing to hospitals and schools, getting humanitarian supplies to citizens and paying the salaries of civil servants and teachers, the organization said.USAID Administrator&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-biden-cabinet-samantha-power-foreign-policy-development-aid-0d4ef3c6c977129b0bbe59e9e726578d">Samantha Power</a>&nbsp;said that as Putin’s “assault on Ukraine’s public services continues, the United States is rushing in with financial support to help the government keep the lights on, provide essential services to innocent citizens and pay the health care workers who are providing lifesaving support on the frontlines.”Last week, the Biden administration said it will send&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-government-and-politics-4bff4beeecc6067b6f4e3aa8584de108">another $400 million in military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine, the 15th package of military weapons and equipment transferred to Ukraine from Defense Department stocks since last August.This new set of funds will be used for humanitarian purposes.“This aid will help Ukraine’s democratic government provide essential services for the people of Ukraine,” Treasury Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/janet-yellen">Janet Yellen</a>&nbsp;said in a written statement.Yellen said the money would “reach those who need it most at the front lines of Putin’s brutal and illegal war.”Overall, the U.S. has sent about $7.3 billion in aid to Ukraine since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1">the war began</a>&nbsp;in late February.

U.S., World Bank to give Ukraine $1.7B to pay health care workers

WASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax 
returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take 
advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.

Summer may be a busy time for many, but it's a great time to start 
tax planning - whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start
 planning for next year's tax season.&nbsp;The IRS website&nbsp;is the fastest and
 most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online
 tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their 
convenience.

Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.

Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.

Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year

Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to 
avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, 
divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.

The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will 
provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer 
either online or by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc153">Taxpayers who requested an extension to October 17 or missed the April 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;can still prepare and e-file returns for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, if they qualify. The IRS accepts <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically filed returns</a>
 24/7. There's no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have all the
 information and documentation they need to file an accurate return 
today. They can get their refund faster by choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

Taxpayers who missed the April 18 deadline and owe should file and 
pay electronically as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
 Taxpayers can make payments or set up <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment plans online</a>.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool</a>
 has a new look and feel, featuring a dynamic map, a directions button 
and two tabs for inputting search criteria. It's important to remember 
that Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment only. Taxpayers 
can make an appointment by calling the number for the office they want 
to visit.

Many IRS webpages are now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole and Chinese. Some of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">multilingual resources</a> include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file resources</a> and many tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">forms and publications</a>.

At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a> (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">accessible products</a>
 to help with the use of assistive technology such as screen reading 
software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. 
These products include tax forms, instructions and publications that can
 be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 compliant PDFs, HTML, 
eBraille, text and large print.

Please note that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML. To request paper copies of
 tax forms or instructions or publications in Braille or large print, 
taxpayers can call the tax form telephone number at <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>. Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, 
audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional 
taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with 
their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or they can 
call <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.

Taxpayers can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/subscribe-to-irs-tax-tips">subscribe</a> to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-tax-tips">IRS Tax Tips</a>
 to get easy-to-read articles sent directly to their e-mail from the 
IRS. Tax Tips are brief, to the point and cover various tax topics, like
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/year-round-tax-planning-all-taxpayers-should-understand-eligibility-for-credits-and-deductions">year-round tax planning</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-taxpayer-rights-everyone-has-the-right-to-finality">understanding taxpayer rights</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax 
returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take 
advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.Summer may be a busy time for many, but it's a great time to start 
tax planning - whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start
 planning for next year's tax season.&nbsp;The IRS website&nbsp;is the fastest and
 most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online
 tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their 
convenience.Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.<h2>Get tax information 24/7</h2>Taxpayers can use IRS.gov to:<ul>
 <li>View the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">filing page</a> to get information on most federal income tax topics.</li><li>Access the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> tool for answers to many tax law questions.</li><li>Sign into their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS online account</a> to view their balance an tax records, manage communication preferences, make payments and more.</li><li>Find the most up-to-date information about their tax refunds using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.<h2>Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year</h2>Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to 
avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, 
divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will 
provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer 
either online or by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.<h2>File electronically</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc153">Taxpayers who requested an extension to October 17 or missed the April 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;can still prepare and e-file returns for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, if they qualify. The IRS accepts <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically filed returns</a>
 24/7. There's no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have all the
 information and documentation they need to file an accurate return 
today. They can get their refund faster by choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.Taxpayers who missed the April 18 deadline and owe should file and 
pay electronically as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
 Taxpayers can make payments or set up <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment plans online</a>.<h2>Find a taxpayer assistance center</h2>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool</a>
 has a new look and feel, featuring a dynamic map, a directions button 
and two tabs for inputting search criteria. It's important to remember 
that Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment only. Taxpayers 
can make an appointment by calling the number for the office they want 
to visit.<h2>Read information in other languages</h2>Many IRS webpages are now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole and Chinese. Some of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">multilingual resources</a> include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file resources</a> and many tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">forms and publications</a>.<h2>Access the Alternative Media Center</h2>At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a> (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">accessible products</a>
 to help with the use of assistive technology such as screen reading 
software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. 
These products include tax forms, instructions and publications that can
 be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 compliant PDFs, HTML, 
eBraille, text and large print.Please note that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML. To request paper copies of
 tax forms or instructions or publications in Braille or large print, 
taxpayers can call the tax form telephone number at <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>. Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, 
audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional 
taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with 
their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or they can 
call <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.<h2>Keep current with IRS Tax Tips</h2>Taxpayers can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/subscribe-to-irs-tax-tips">subscribe</a> to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-tax-tips">IRS Tax Tips</a>
 to get easy-to-read articles sent directly to their e-mail from the 
IRS. Tax Tips are brief, to the point and cover various tax topics, like
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/year-round-tax-planning-all-taxpayers-should-understand-eligibility-for-credits-and-deductions">year-round tax planning</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-taxpayer-rights-everyone-has-the-right-to-finality">understanding taxpayer rights</a>.<h2>More helpful links:</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2">About Form W-2</a></li>
 </ul>

File a tax extension? IRS advises taking these steps soon

KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A Kansas man was sentenced to 12-years in prison for his role in an international drug trafficking ring, according to the United State's Attorney.

In April, Jovanny Medina, 24, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

According to court documents, Medina took part in a conspiracy to traffic illegal narcotics sourced from his family in Mexico throughout the Kansas City metro area. 

His primary role in the operation was to import and distribute multikilogram quantities of methamphetamine, collect drug debts, and transport bulk United States currency from Kansas City to Mexico.

“As long as drug smugglers infiltrate our borders and peddle poison into our communities, the Department of Justice will remain vigilant in arresting and prosecuting offenders with the deliberate

intention of dismantling these criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.

U.S. Attorney Slinkard commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their collaborative investigation.

KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A Kansas man was sentenced to 12-years in prison for his role in an international drug trafficking ring, according to the United State's Attorney.In April, Jovanny Medina, 24, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Medina took part in a conspiracy to traffic illegal narcotics sourced from his family in Mexico throughout the Kansas City metro area. His primary role in the operation was to import and distribute multikilogram quantities of methamphetamine, collect drug debts, and transport bulk United States currency from Kansas City to Mexico.“As long as drug smugglers infiltrate our borders and peddle poison into our communities, the Department of Justice will remain vigilant in arresting and prosecuting offenders with the deliberateintention of dismantling these criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.U.S. Attorney Slinkard commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their collaborative investigation.

Kansas man admits distributing drugs from Mexico in KC area

TOPEKA&nbsp;–Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Jamie Gaius Marshall died Monday at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Marshall, 43, has been incarcerated since January 15, 2013, due to a rape conviction in 2012 and two drug convictions in 2003.&nbsp; He had been registered as a sex offender since August of 2011, according to the offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657657776929.png" alt="Marshall-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Jamie Gaius Marshall died Monday at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. Preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Marshall, 43, has been incarcerated since January 15, 2013, due to a rape conviction in 2012 and two drug convictions in 2003.&nbsp; He had been registered as a sex offender since August of 2011, according to the offender registry.

Death of registered sex offender in Kan. prison under investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident involving a man found with life-threatening injuries.

Just after&nbsp;&nbsp;3a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 100 block of NE Gordon in Topeka after a call for service of a report of an injured man lying on the ground. 

Upon arrival, responding officers located an individual who appeared to be suffering from injuries to his chest. The person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657666743032.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident involving a man found with life-threatening injuries.Just after&nbsp;&nbsp;3a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 100 block of NE Gordon in Topeka after a call for service of a report of an injured man lying on the ground. Upon arrival, responding officers located an individual who appeared to be suffering from injuries to his chest. The person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Police: Kan. man found with life-threatening injuries 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Abruptly raising the question of witness tampering, the Jan. 6 committee</a>&nbsp;revealed Tuesday that Donald Trump had attempted to contact a person who was talking to the panel about its investigation of the former president and the 2021 attack on the Capitol.

“We will take any effort to influence witness testimony very seriously,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. She said the committee had notified the Justice Department.

The person Trump tried to contact declined to answer or respond to his call, Cheney said. Instead the person alerted their lawyer who contacted the committee.

The disclosure by Cheney was not the first time the panel has raised concerns about witnesses being contacted by Trump's team in ways that could reflect or at least create the appearance of inappropriate influence. It divulged examples last week of other times witnesses have received outreach from Trump allies, some suggesting he was aware they were talking to the committee, ahead of testimony before the panel.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The hearing Tuesday was the seventh for the Jan. 6 committee. Over the past month, the panel has created a narrative of a defeated Trump “detached from reality,” clinging to false claims of voter fraud and working feverishly to reverse his election defeat. It all culminated with the attack on the Capitol, the committee says.

Tuesday's session revealed details of an “unhinged” late night meeting at the White House with Donald Trump’s outside lawyers suggesting the military seize state voting machines in a last-ditch effort to pursue his false claims of voter fraud before the defeated president summoned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">a mob to the U.S. Capitol.</a>

The committee investigating last year's attack at the Capitol is working to show how far-right extremists answered Trump's call to come for a big rally in Washington. As dozens of lawsuits and his claims of voter fraud fizzled, Trump met late into the night of Dec. 18 with attorneys at the White House before tweeting the rally invitation — “Be there, will be wild!” Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-e7ad5f0a566bf332477ed223abdd5f12">Proud Boys and Oath Keepers</a>&nbsp;groups are now facing rare sedition charges over the siege.

“This tweet served as a call to action -- and in some cases a call to arms.” said one panel member, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla.

The panel featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-fcec3b203ff165d2952ef119ef892352">new video testimony from Pat Cipollone</a>, Trump's former White House counsel, recalling the explosive meeting at the White House when Trump's outside legal team brought a draft executive order to seize states' voting machines — a “terrible idea,” he said.

“That's not how we do things in the United States,” Cipollone testified.

Another aide called the meeting “unhinged.”

Cipollone and other White House officials scrambled to intervene in the late-night meeting Trump was having with attorneys Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, retired national security aide Michael Flynn and the head of the online retail company Overstock. It erupted in shouting and screaming, another aide testified.

“Where is the evidence?" Cipollone demanded of the false claims of voter fraud.

"What they were proposing, I thought, was nuts," testified another White House official, Eric Herschmann.

But Trump was intrigued and essentially told his White House lawyers that at least Powell and outside allies were trying to do something.

“You guys are not tough enough,” Giuliani in video testimony recalled the president telling the White House attorneys. “You guys are p——-,” he said, using crass language.

As night turned to morning, Trump tweeted the call for supporters to come to Washington on Jan. 6, when Congress would be tallying the Electoral College results. “Be there. Will be wild,” Trump wrote.

The panel showed graphic and violent text messages and played videos of right-wing figures, including Alex Jones, and others laying out that Jan. 6 would be the day they fight for the president.

In vulgar and often racist language the messages beaming across the far-right forums planned for the big day that they said Trump was asking for in Washington. It would be a “red wedding,” said one, a reference to mass killing. “Bring handcuffs."

Several members of the U.S. Capitol Police who fought the mob that day sat stone-faced in the front row of the committee room.

“The problem of politicians whipping up mob violence to destroy fair elections is the oldest domestic enemy of constitutional democracy,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., in opening remarks.

At the witness table to testify in person was Jason Van Tatenhove, an ally of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes. Another witness was Stephen Ayres, who pleaded guilty last month to disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. He has said that on Jan. 2, 2021, he posted an image stating that Trump was “calling on us to come back to Washington on January 6th for a big protest.”

The committee is probing whether the extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and QAnon adherents who had rallied for Trump before, coordinated with White House allies for Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plan to storm the Capitol.

The committee began the second half of the hearing making connections between Trump allies Flynn and Roger Stone and the extremist groups who were preparing to come to Washington.

It showed showing a picture of Rhodes, the Oath Keeper leader, walking with Flynn, the former national security aide to Trump, outside the Capitol at some point.

This was the only hearing this week, as new details emerge. An expected prime-time hearing Thursday has been shelved for now.

This week's session comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson provided stunning accounts</a>&nbsp;under oath of an angry Trump who knowingly sent armed supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 and then refused to quickly call them off as violence erupted, siding with the rioters as they searched menacingly for Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump has said Cassidy's account is not true. But Cipollone at Friday's private session did not contradict earlier testimony. Raskin said the panel planned to use “a lot” of Cipollone's testimony.

The Proud Boys have said their membership grew after Trump, during his first debate with Biden, refused to outright condemn the group but instead told them to “stand back and stand by.”

The Oath Keepers had also been organizing for Jan. 6 and established a “quick response force” at a nearby hotel in Virginia, according to court filings.

The panel also noted that many of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol appeared to be QAnon believers. Federal authorities have explicitly linked at least 38 rioters to the pro-Trump conspiracy theory, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

One of the most recognizable figures from the attack was a shirtless Arizona man who called himself the “QAnon Shaman,” carried a spear and wore face paint and a Viking hat with fur and horns.

The panel has shown, over the course of fast-paced hearings and with eyewitness accounts from the former president's inner circle, that Trump was told “over and over," as Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said, that he had lost the election and his claims of voter fraud were just not true. Nevertheless, Trump summoned his supporters to Washington and then sent them to the Capitol in what panel Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., has called an “attempted coup.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Jan. 6 committee</a>&nbsp;is set to highlight the way violent far-right extremists answered Donald Trump’s “siren call” to come to Washington for a big rally, as some now face rare sedition charges over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the deadly U.S. Capitol attack</a>&nbsp;and effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol siege convenes Tuesday for a public hearing probing what it calls the final phase of Trump's multi-pronged effort to halt Joe Biden's victory. As dozens of lawsuits and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims of voter fraud</a>&nbsp;fizzled, Trump tweeted the rally invitation, a pivotal moment, the committee said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-e7ad5f0a566bf332477ed223abdd5f12">The far-right Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and others now facing criminal charges</a>&nbsp;readily answered.

“We will lay out the body of evidence that we have that talks about how the president’s tweet on the wee hours of December 19th of ‘Be there, be wild,’ was a siren call to these folks,” said one panel member, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., over the weekend on “Meet the Press.” In fact, Trump tweeted, "Be there, will be wild!”

Among those expected to testify is Stephen Ayres, who pleaded guilty last month to disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. He admitted that on Jan. 2, 2021, he posted an image stating that Trump was “calling on us to come back to Washington on January 6th for a big protest." Another witness is Jason Van Tatenhove, an ally of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes. The witnesses were confirmed by someone familiar with the testimony who spoke on condition of anonymity because the witnesses had not yet been announced.

This is the seventh hearing in a series that has presented numerous blockbuster revelations from the Jan. 6 committee. Over the past month, the panel has created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-congress-eb90b5a11a77fe528fa610cccb442c1e">a stark narrative of a defeated Trump “detached from reality,”</a>&nbsp;clinging to his false claims of voter fraud and working feverishly to reverse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his election defeat</a>. It all culminated with the deadly attack on the Capitol, the committee said.

What the committee intends to probe Tuesday is whether the extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and QAnon adherents who had rallied for Trump before, coordinated with White House allies for Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plan to storm the Capitol.

The panel is also expected to highlight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-fcec3b203ff165d2952ef119ef892352">new testimony from Pat Cipollone</a>, the former White House counsel, who “was aware of every major move” Trump was making, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who will lead the session.

It's the only hearing set for this week, as new details emerge. An expected prime-time hearing Thursday has been shelved for now.

The panel is expected to highlight a meeting on Dec. 18, 2020, at the White House in which former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, one-time Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn and others floated ideas for overturning the election results,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-politics-congress-zoe-lofgren-b1d1256bd8b51aa74f69640b90884c87">Raskin told CBS over the weekend</a>.

This was days after the Electoral College had met on Dec. 14 to certify the results for Biden — a time time when other key Republicans were announcing that the election and its challenges were over.

On Dec. 19, Trump would send the tweet beckoning supporters to Washington for the Jan. 6 rally, the day Congress was set to certify the Electoral College count: "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!”

The Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist far-right groups whose leaders and others are now facing rare sedition charges for their roles in the attack, prepared to come to Washington, according to court filings.

On Dec. 29, the Proud Boys chairman posted a message on social media that said members planned to “turn out in record numbers on Jan. 6th," according to a federal indictment.

The group planned to meet at the Washington Monument, its members instructed not to wear its traditional black and yellow colors, but be “incognito.”

The Proud Boys have contended that membership grew after Trump, during his first debate with Biden, refused to outright condemn the group but instead told them to “stand back and stand by.”

The night before Jan. 6, Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio met with Rhodes at an underground parking garage, according to court filings along with images a documentary filmmaker trailing the group provided to the panel.

After the Capitol siege, Rhodes called someone with an urgent message for Trump, another group member has said. Rhodes was denied an chance to speak to Trump, but urged the person on the phone to tell the Republican president to call upon militia groups to fight to keep the president in power.

An attorney for Rhodes recently told the committee that their client wants to testify publicly. Rhodes was already interviewed by the committee privately, and it's unlikely the panel will agree.

The panel also intends to discuss the way many of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 appeared to be QAnon believers. Federal authorities have explicitly linked at least 38 rioters to the pro-Trump conspiracy theory, according to an Associated Press review of court records.

One of the most recognizable figures from the Jan. 6 attack was a shirtless Arizona man who called himself the “QAnon Shaman,” carried a spear and wore face paint and a Viking hat with fur and horns.

A core belief among QAnon followers is that Trump was secretly fighting a cabal of deep state operatives, prominent Democrats and Hollywood elites who worship Satan and engage in sex trafficking of children.

The panel has shown, over the course of fast-paced hearings and with eyewitness accounts from the former president's inner circle, how Trump was told “over and over” again, as Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said, that he had lost the election and his false claims of voter fraud were just not true. Nevertheless, Trump summoned his supporters to Washington and then sent them to the Capitol in what Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., has called an “attempted coup.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Abruptly raising the question of witness tampering, the Jan. 6 committee</a>&nbsp;revealed Tuesday that Donald Trump had attempted to contact a person who was talking to the panel about its investigation of the former president and the 2021 attack on the Capitol.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rrUa0hfG6Lo?start=716" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“We will take any effort to influence witness testimony very seriously,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. She said the committee had notified the Justice Department.The person Trump tried to contact declined to answer or respond to his call, Cheney said. Instead the person alerted their lawyer who contacted the committee.The disclosure by Cheney was not the first time the panel has raised concerns about witnesses being contacted by Trump's team in ways that could reflect or at least create the appearance of inappropriate influence. It divulged examples last week of other times witnesses have received outreach from Trump allies, some suggesting he was aware they were talking to the committee, ahead of testimony before the panel.A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The hearing Tuesday was the seventh for the Jan. 6 committee. Over the past month, the panel has created a narrative of a defeated Trump “detached from reality,” clinging to false claims of voter fraud and working feverishly to reverse his election defeat. It all culminated with the attack on the Capitol, the committee says.Tuesday's session revealed details of an “unhinged” late night meeting at the White House with Donald Trump’s outside lawyers suggesting the military seize state voting machines in a last-ditch effort to pursue his false claims of voter fraud before the defeated president summoned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">a mob to the U.S. Capitol.</a>The committee investigating last year's attack at the Capitol is working to show how far-right extremists answered Trump's call to come for a big rally in Washington. As dozens of lawsuits and his claims of voter fraud fizzled, Trump met late into the night of Dec. 18 with attorneys at the White House before tweeting the rally invitation — “Be there, will be wild!” Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-e7ad5f0a566bf332477ed223abdd5f12">Proud Boys and Oath Keepers</a>&nbsp;groups are now facing rare sedition charges over the siege.“This tweet served as a call to action -- and in some cases a call to arms.” said one panel member, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla.The panel featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-fcec3b203ff165d2952ef119ef892352">new video testimony from Pat Cipollone</a>, Trump's former White House counsel, recalling the explosive meeting at the White House when Trump's outside legal team brought a draft executive order to seize states' voting machines — a “terrible idea,” he said.“That's not how we do things in the United States,” Cipollone testified.Another aide called the meeting “unhinged.”Cipollone and other White House officials scrambled to intervene in the late-night meeting Trump was having with attorneys Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, retired national security aide Michael Flynn and the head of the online retail company Overstock. It erupted in shouting and screaming, another aide testified.“Where is the evidence?" Cipollone demanded of the false claims of voter fraud."What they were proposing, I thought, was nuts," testified another White House official, Eric Herschmann.But Trump was intrigued and essentially told his White House lawyers that at least Powell and outside allies were trying to do something.“You guys are not tough enough,” Giuliani in video testimony recalled the president telling the White House attorneys. “You guys are p——-,” he said, using crass language.As night turned to morning, Trump tweeted the call for supporters to come to Washington on Jan. 6, when Congress would be tallying the Electoral College results. “Be there. Will be wild,” Trump wrote.Immediately, the extremists reacted.The panel showed graphic and violent text messages and played videos of right-wing figures, including Alex Jones, and others laying out that Jan. 6 would be the day they fight for the president.In vulgar and often racist language the messages beaming across the far-right forums planned for the big day that they said Trump was asking for in Washington. It would be a “red wedding,” said one, a reference to mass killing. “Bring handcuffs."Several members of the U.S. Capitol Police who fought the mob that day sat stone-faced in the front row of the committee room.“The problem of politicians whipping up mob violence to destroy fair elections is the oldest domestic enemy of constitutional democracy,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., in opening remarks.At the witness table to testify in person was Jason Van Tatenhove, an ally of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes. Another witness was Stephen Ayres, who pleaded guilty last month to disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. He has said that on Jan. 2, 2021, he posted an image stating that Trump was “calling on us to come back to Washington on January 6th for a big protest.”The committee is probing whether the extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and QAnon adherents who had rallied for Trump before, coordinated with White House allies for Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plan to storm the Capitol.The committee began the second half of the hearing making connections between Trump allies Flynn and Roger Stone and the extremist groups who were preparing to come to Washington.It showed showing a picture of Rhodes, the Oath Keeper leader, walking with Flynn, the former national security aide to Trump, outside the Capitol at some point.This was the only hearing this week, as new details emerge. An expected prime-time hearing Thursday has been shelved for now.This week's session comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson provided stunning accounts</a>&nbsp;under oath of an angry Trump who knowingly sent armed supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 and then refused to quickly call them off as violence erupted, siding with the rioters as they searched menacingly for Vice President Mike Pence.Trump has said Cassidy's account is not true. But Cipollone at Friday's private session did not contradict earlier testimony. Raskin said the panel planned to use “a lot” of Cipollone's testimony.The Proud Boys have said their membership grew after Trump, during his first debate with Biden, refused to outright condemn the group but instead told them to “stand back and stand by.”The Oath Keepers had also been organizing for Jan. 6 and established a “quick response force” at a nearby hotel in Virginia, according to court filings.The panel also noted that many of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol appeared to be QAnon believers. Federal authorities have explicitly linked at least 38 rioters to the pro-Trump conspiracy theory, according to an Associated Press review of court records.One of the most recognizable figures from the attack was a shirtless Arizona man who called himself the “QAnon Shaman,” carried a spear and wore face paint and a Viking hat with fur and horns.The panel has shown, over the course of fast-paced hearings and with eyewitness accounts from the former president's inner circle, that Trump was told “over and over," as Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said, that he had lost the election and his claims of voter fraud were just not true. Nevertheless, Trump summoned his supporters to Washington and then sent them to the Capitol in what panel Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., has called an “attempted coup.”-----WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-subpoenas-government-and-politics-af491858a41ce4f42416fe3a7131592e">Jan. 6 committee</a>&nbsp;is set to highlight the way violent far-right extremists answered Donald Trump’s “siren call” to come to Washington for a big rally, as some now face rare sedition charges over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the deadly U.S. Capitol attack</a>&nbsp;and effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election.The panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol siege convenes Tuesday for a public hearing probing what it calls the final phase of Trump's multi-pronged effort to halt Joe Biden's victory. As dozens of lawsuits and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims of voter fraud</a>&nbsp;fizzled, Trump tweeted the rally invitation, a pivotal moment, the committee said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-e7ad5f0a566bf332477ed223abdd5f12">The far-right Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and others now facing criminal charges</a>&nbsp;readily answered.“We will lay out the body of evidence that we have that talks about how the president’s tweet on the wee hours of December 19th of ‘Be there, be wild,’ was a siren call to these folks,” said one panel member, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., over the weekend on “Meet the Press.” In fact, Trump tweeted, "Be there, will be wild!”Among those expected to testify is Stephen Ayres, who pleaded guilty last month to disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. He admitted that on Jan. 2, 2021, he posted an image stating that Trump was “calling on us to come back to Washington on January 6th for a big protest." Another witness is Jason Van Tatenhove, an ally of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes. The witnesses were confirmed by someone familiar with the testimony who spoke on condition of anonymity because the witnesses had not yet been announced.This is the seventh hearing in a series that has presented numerous blockbuster revelations from the Jan. 6 committee. Over the past month, the panel has created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-congress-eb90b5a11a77fe528fa610cccb442c1e">a stark narrative of a defeated Trump “detached from reality,”</a>&nbsp;clinging to his false claims of voter fraud and working feverishly to reverse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his election defeat</a>. It all culminated with the deadly attack on the Capitol, the committee said.What the committee intends to probe Tuesday is whether the extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and QAnon adherents who had rallied for Trump before, coordinated with White House allies for Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers have denied there was any plan to storm the Capitol.The panel is also expected to highlight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-crime-donald-trump-presidential-elections-election-2020-fcec3b203ff165d2952ef119ef892352">new testimony from Pat Cipollone</a>, the former White House counsel, who “was aware of every major move” Trump was making, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who will lead the session.It's the only hearing set for this week, as new details emerge. An expected prime-time hearing Thursday has been shelved for now.This week's session comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-9e7c03bb83f43fb17b4fd90d1360993d">former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson provided stunning accounts</a>&nbsp;under oath of an angry Trump who knowingly sent armed supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6 and then refused to quickly call them off as violence erupted, siding with the rioters as they searched menacingly for Vice President Mike Pence.Trump has said Cassidy's account is not true. But Cipollone at Friday's private session did not contradict earlier testimony. Raskin said the panel planned to use “a lot” of Cipollone's testimony.The panel is expected to highlight a meeting on Dec. 18, 2020, at the White House in which former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, one-time Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn and others floated ideas for overturning the election results,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-politics-congress-zoe-lofgren-b1d1256bd8b51aa74f69640b90884c87">Raskin told CBS over the weekend</a>.This was days after the Electoral College had met on Dec. 14 to certify the results for Biden — a time time when other key Republicans were announcing that the election and its challenges were over.On Dec. 19, Trump would send the tweet beckoning supporters to Washington for the Jan. 6 rally, the day Congress was set to certify the Electoral College count: "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!”The Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, extremist far-right groups whose leaders and others are now facing rare sedition charges for their roles in the attack, prepared to come to Washington, according to court filings.On Dec. 29, the Proud Boys chairman posted a message on social media that said members planned to “turn out in record numbers on Jan. 6th," according to a federal indictment.The group planned to meet at the Washington Monument, its members instructed not to wear its traditional black and yellow colors, but be “incognito.”The Proud Boys have contended that membership grew after Trump, during his first debate with Biden, refused to outright condemn the group but instead told them to “stand back and stand by.”The night before Jan. 6, Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio met with Rhodes at an underground parking garage, according to court filings along with images a documentary filmmaker trailing the group provided to the panel.The Oath Keepers had also been organizing for Jan. 6 and established a “quick response force” at a nearby hotel in Virginia, according to court filings.After the Capitol siege, Rhodes called someone with an urgent message for Trump, another group member has said. Rhodes was denied an chance to speak to Trump, but urged the person on the phone to tell the Republican president to call upon militia groups to fight to keep the president in power.An attorney for Rhodes recently told the committee that their client wants to testify publicly. Rhodes was already interviewed by the committee privately, and it's unlikely the panel will agree.The panel also intends to discuss the way many of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 appeared to be QAnon believers. Federal authorities have explicitly linked at least 38 rioters to the pro-Trump conspiracy theory, according to an Associated Press review of court records.One of the most recognizable figures from the Jan. 6 attack was a shirtless Arizona man who called himself the “QAnon Shaman,” carried a spear and wore face paint and a Viking hat with fur and horns.A core belief among QAnon followers is that Trump was secretly fighting a cabal of deep state operatives, prominent Democrats and Hollywood elites who worship Satan and engage in sex trafficking of children.The panel has shown, over the course of fast-paced hearings and with eyewitness accounts from the former president's inner circle, how Trump was told “over and over” again, as Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said, that he had lost the election and his false claims of voter fraud were just not true. Nevertheless, Trump summoned his supporters to Washington and then sent them to the Capitol in what Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., has called an “attempted coup.”

🎥 Jan. 6 panel day 7 replay: Trump's 'siren call' to extremists

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities saved another life during in incident on Friday in Sedgwick County.

Just after midnight, police responded to a hotel in the 400 block of South Webb Road in Wichita for an overdose call, according to a social media report from police.

The officer arrived prior to EMS and contacted a 29-year-old man who said that he and a 26-year-old woman had taken fentanyl.

The officer located the woman unresponsive in a hotel room, and she stopped breathing. 

The officer quickly administered the opioid overdose treatment Narcan, and she woke up prior to being transported to the hospital by EMS.

This is the fourth time Wichita officers have used Narcan to save a life since we began equipping them earlier this year.

The Wichita Police Department reminded the public of the dangers of illicit drug use - especially regarding an increase of counterfeit fentanyl pills being brought into Kansas and the Wichita community.

A public town hall on Fentanyl issue is scheduled for Thursday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Rhatigan Student Center on the Wichita State University Campus.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities saved another life during in incident on Friday in Sedgwick County. Just after midnight, police responded to a hotel in the 400 block of South Webb Road in Wichita for an overdose call, according to a social media report from police.The officer arrived prior to EMS and contacted a 29-year-old man who said that he and a 26-year-old woman had taken fentanyl.The officer located the woman unresponsive in a hotel room, and she stopped breathing. The officer quickly administered the opioid overdose treatment Narcan, and she woke up prior to being transported to the hospital by EMS.This is the fourth time Wichita officers have used Narcan to save a life since we began equipping them earlier this year.The Wichita Police Department reminded the public of the dangers of illicit drug use - especially regarding an increase of counterfeit fentanyl pills being brought into Kansas and the Wichita community.A public town hall on Fentanyl issue is scheduled for Thursday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Rhatigan Student Center on the Wichita State University Campus.

Police save Kansas woman's life from fentanyl overdose 

Salina’s popular Comic Con returns to Tony’s Pizza Events Center this weekend. This year’s event includes three special guests, cosplays contests, and plenty of shopping.

Best known to fans as Zhane, the original silver power ranger from Saban's Power Rangers in Space 1998. Oklahoma native Nimmo is also known for his roles in Pleasantville, American Indian Graffiti: This Thing Life, Dude, Where’s My Car?, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. Justin has also been known to do look-alike work for Brad Pitt.

Nelson is best known for having played the iconic character of Darth Vader in the Special Edition re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy as well as in the Rebel Assault II and Dark Forces games from LucasArts.

Andrew, who began playing Vader for Lucasfilm in 1994, has portrayed the infamous dark lord for film, commercials, television shows, print, games, and live appearances. He has managed to spend more time in the official Vader costume than any other actor.

Fernandes is the only living Tusken Raider from the original 1977 Star Wars (later renamed Episode IV: A New Hope). He was one of two animal trainers who worked with the elephant which played the Bantha in the desert scenes.

Vendors will be on hand for attendees who want to buy, sell, and trade comic books, toys and pop culture memorabilia. Cosplay contests are Saturday at 4 p.m. for adults 16 and up; Sunday at 3 p.m. for kids 15 and under. The grand prize for this year’s adult cosplay contest is $1,000.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - $11 for ages 9 and up, 8 and under is free with paying adult.

Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - $9 for ages 9 and up, 8 and under is free with paying adult.

Tickets are on sale now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, and online at <a href="http://www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657655699569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tony's Pizza Events CenterSalina’s popular Comic Con returns to Tony’s Pizza Events Center this weekend. This year’s event includes three special guests, cosplays contests, and plenty of shopping.This year’s guests are:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657655747280.jpeg" alt="Justin Nimmo. Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center" />
 <figcaption>Justin Nimmo. Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin NimmoBest known to fans as Zhane, the original silver power ranger from Saban's Power Rangers in Space 1998. Oklahoma native Nimmo is also known for his roles in Pleasantville, American Indian Graffiti: This Thing Life, Dude, Where’s My Car?, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. Justin has also been known to do look-alike work for Brad Pitt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657655822034.jpeg" alt="C. Andrew Nelson" />
 <figcaption>C. Andrew Nelson</figcaption>
 </figure>C. Andrew NelsonNelson is best known for having played the iconic character of Darth Vader in the Special Edition re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy as well as in the Rebel Assault II and Dark Forces games from LucasArts.Andrew, who began playing Vader for Lucasfilm in 1994, has portrayed the infamous dark lord for film, commercials, television shows, print, games, and live appearances. He has managed to spend more time in the official Vader costume than any other actor.Alan FernandesFernandes is the only living Tusken Raider from the original 1977 Star Wars (later renamed Episode IV: A New Hope). He was one of two animal trainers who worked with the elephant which played the Bantha in the desert scenes.Vendors will be on hand for attendees who want to buy, sell, and trade comic books, toys and pop culture memorabilia. Cosplay contests are Saturday at 4 p.m. for adults 16 and up; Sunday at 3 p.m. for kids 15 and under. The grand prize for this year’s adult cosplay contest is $1,000.The show hours and ticket prices are:Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - $11 for ages 9 and up, 8 and under is free with paying adult.Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - $9 for ages 9 and up, 8 and under is free with paying adult.Tickets are on sale now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, and online at <a href="http://www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">www.tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a>.

Salina Comic Con this weekend at Tony's Pizza Events Center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge threw out a lawsuit by Missouri Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt that blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh said in his 38-page ruling that in this case federal rules prohibit a sovereign foreign entity from being sued in American courts.

“All in all, the court has no choice but to dismiss this novel complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction,” Limbaugh stated in the final line of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.moed.uscourts.gov/doc1/107110460293">dismissal order</a>. The judge noted earlier in the opinion that the civil suit against China is one of many filed “amidst the wreckage of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Schmitt’s office said it would appeal the ruling.

The complaint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-virus-outbreak-lawsuits-us-news-mo-state-wire-63d743a7e29a6c03742319c4cb4fefa4">filed in April 2020</a>&nbsp;alleges that Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.” Schmitt said the Chinese government lied about the dangers of the virus and didn’t do enough to slow its spread.

China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-lawsuits-ap-top-news-michael-brown-virus-outbreak-0d28f84369c35ebcd9184b3a48cad0a1">criticized the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;as “very absurd” and said it has no factual and legal basis. Schmitt called the lawsuit historic, but legal experts mostly panned it as a stunt aimed at shifting blame to China for the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566389901694.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is also a candidate for the United State's Senate" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is also a candidate for the United State's Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A federal judge threw out a lawsuit by Missouri Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt that blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic.U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh said in his 38-page ruling that in this case federal rules prohibit a sovereign foreign entity from being sued in American courts.“All in all, the court has no choice but to dismiss this novel complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction,” Limbaugh stated in the final line of the&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.moed.uscourts.gov/doc1/107110460293">dismissal order</a>. The judge noted earlier in the opinion that the civil suit against China is one of many filed “amidst the wreckage of the COVID-19 pandemic."Schmitt’s office said it would appeal the ruling.The complaint&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-virus-outbreak-lawsuits-us-news-mo-state-wire-63d743a7e29a6c03742319c4cb4fefa4">filed in April 2020</a>&nbsp;alleges that Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.” Schmitt said the Chinese government lied about the dangers of the virus and didn’t do enough to slow its spread.China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-lawsuits-ap-top-news-michael-brown-virus-outbreak-0d28f84369c35ebcd9184b3a48cad0a1">criticized the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;as “very absurd” and said it has no factual and legal basis. Schmitt called the lawsuit historic, but legal experts mostly panned it as a stunt aimed at shifting blame to China for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge throws out AG's COVID-19 lawsuit against China

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a July 4th weekend double murder have captured a third suspect.

On Tuesday, Sheriff deputies located and arrested 42-year-old Hieu Trong Luong in east Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On July 8, authorities asked the public for help to locate Luong.&nbsp;

Two other suspects have already been charged. David Baeza, 42 of Wichita, is charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter. Joseph Ponse, 43 of Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder.&nbsp;

Just after 5 a.m. July 3, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;

At the scene, first responders found 42-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076411">David Baeza</a>&nbsp;of Wichita on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment and later arrested him.

During an additional search of the rural property, deputies found a man and woman deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds. The woman was later identified as 43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California.&nbsp;

While processing the scene, investigators found 43-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18714449">Joseph Ponse Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;of Wichita. Deputies booked him into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; The victims did not live at the location where they were killed.&nbsp;

Ponse and Baeza remain jailed each on a bond of $500,000.&nbsp; They are due back in court on July 18, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657288018642.png" alt="Luong-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Luong-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a July 4th weekend double murder have captured a third suspect.On Tuesday, Sheriff deputies located and arrested 42-year-old Hieu Trong Luong in east Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.On July 8, authorities asked the public for help to locate Luong.&nbsp;Two other suspects have already been charged. David Baeza, 42 of Wichita, is charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter. Joseph Ponse, 43 of Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder.&nbsp;Just after 5 a.m. July 3, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657051599579.png" alt="Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, first responders found 42-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20076411">David Baeza</a>&nbsp;of Wichita on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment and later arrested him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656781809875.png" alt="Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>During an additional search of the rural property, deputies found a man and woman deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds. The woman was later identified as 43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657051675461.png" alt="Baeza-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Baeza-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>While processing the scene, investigators found 43-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18714449">Joseph Ponse Jr.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;of Wichita. Deputies booked him into the Sedgwick County jail.&nbsp; The victims did not live at the location where they were killed.&nbsp;Ponse and Baeza remain jailed each on a bond of $500,000.&nbsp; They are due back in court on July 18, according to the district attorney's office.

Deputies capture 3rd suspect wanted for Kan. double murder 

KANSAS CITY —A young girl hospitalized after she was pulled from a pool at Oceans of Fun has died.

According to a statement from Cedar Fair Entertainment, <a href="https://www.cedarfair.com/properties">the company that owns</a> and operates amusement parks nationwide including Ocean and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, "On July 5, Oceans of Fun aquatics and safety (EMT) staff, as well as the Kansas City Fire Department, responded to and cared for a young female guest in distress. We are deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.

The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.

The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy.&nbsp;Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10 years old, according to KCTV.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657644313184.png" alt="Authorities have not released the girl's name or age-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Authorities have not released the girl's name or age-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A young girl hospitalized after she was pulled from a pool at Oceans of Fun has died.According to a statement from Cedar Fair Entertainment, <a href="https://www.cedarfair.com/properties">the company that owns</a> and operates amusement parks nationwide including Ocean and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, "On July 5, Oceans of Fun aquatics and safety (EMT) staff, as well as the Kansas City Fire Department, responded to and cared for a young female guest in distress. We are deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.Just before 7p.m. on July 5, a lifeguard responded to a young female guest in distress in the Coconut Cove pool, according to a statement from the park.The lifeguard pulled her from the water and the park’s EMS began administering CPR.The Kansas City Fire Department arrived and continued caring for her and transported her to Children's Mercy.&nbsp;Law enforcement officials said the girl was younger than 10 years old, according to KCTV.

Girl dies from injuries after pulled from pool at Oceans of Fun

By LAURA UNGAR and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, Associated Press

The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground and pops up in numerous countries, including the United States.

Scientists say the variant – called BA.2.75 – may be able to spread rapidly and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infection. It’s unclear whether it could cause more serious disease than other omicron variants, including the globally prominent BA.5.

“It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “But it does look like, especially in India, the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase." Whether it will outcompete BA.5, he said, is yet to be determined.

Still, the fact that it has already been detected in many parts of the world even with lower levels of viral surveillance “is an early indication it is spreading,” said Shishi Luo, head of infectious diseases for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.helix.com/pages/helix-covid-19-surveillance-dashboard">Helix</a>, a company that supplies viral sequencing information to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest mutant has been spotted in several distant states in India, and appears to be spreading faster than other variants there, said Lipi Thukral, a scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi. It’s also been detected in about 10 other countries, including Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada. Two cases were recently identified on the West Coast of the U.S., and Helix identified a third U.S. case last week.

Fueling experts’ concerns are a large number of mutations separating this new variant from omicron predecessors. Some of those mutations are in areas that relate to the spike protein and could allow the virus to bind onto cells more efficiently, Binnicker said.

Another concern is that the genetic tweaks may make it easier for the virus to skirt past antibodies — protective proteins made by the body in response to a vaccine or infection from an earlier variant.

But experts say vaccines and boosters are still the best defense against severe COVID-19. In the fall it’s likely the U.S. will see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-57a21c137541c97a6eafed41b2497971">updated formulations</a>&nbsp;of the vaccine being developed that target more recent omicron strains.

“Some may say, ‘Well, vaccination and boosting hasn’t prevented people from getting infected.’ And, yes, that is true,” he said. “But what we have seen is that the rates of people ending up in the hospital and dying have significantly decreased. As more people have been vaccinated, boosted or naturally infected, we are starting to see the background levels of immunity worldwide creep up.”

It may take several weeks to get a sense of whether the latest omicron mutant may affect the trajectory of the pandemic. Meanwhile Dr. Gagandeep Kang, who studies viruses at India’s Christian Medical College in Vellore, said the growing concern over the variant underlines the need for more sustained efforts to track and trace viruses that combine genetic efforts with real world information about who is getting sick and how badly. “It is important that surveillance isn’t a start-stop strategy,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657579209849.png" alt="CDC community transmission map July 11, 2022" />
 <figcaption>CDC community transmission map July 11, 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA UNGAR and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL, Associated PressThe quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground and pops up in numerous countries, including the United States.Scientists say the variant – called BA.2.75 – may be able to spread rapidly and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infection. It’s unclear whether it could cause more serious disease than other omicron variants, including the globally prominent BA.5.“It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “But it does look like, especially in India, the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase." Whether it will outcompete BA.5, he said, is yet to be determined.Still, the fact that it has already been detected in many parts of the world even with lower levels of viral surveillance “is an early indication it is spreading,” said Shishi Luo, head of infectious diseases for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.helix.com/pages/helix-covid-19-surveillance-dashboard">Helix</a>, a company that supplies viral sequencing information to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The latest mutant has been spotted in several distant states in India, and appears to be spreading faster than other variants there, said Lipi Thukral, a scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi. It’s also been detected in about 10 other countries, including Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada. Two cases were recently identified on the West Coast of the U.S., and Helix identified a third U.S. case last week.Fueling experts’ concerns are a large number of mutations separating this new variant from omicron predecessors. Some of those mutations are in areas that relate to the spike protein and could allow the virus to bind onto cells more efficiently, Binnicker said.Another concern is that the genetic tweaks may make it easier for the virus to skirt past antibodies — protective proteins made by the body in response to a vaccine or infection from an earlier variant.But experts say vaccines and boosters are still the best defense against severe COVID-19. In the fall it’s likely the U.S. will see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-57a21c137541c97a6eafed41b2497971">updated formulations</a>&nbsp;of the vaccine being developed that target more recent omicron strains.“Some may say, ‘Well, vaccination and boosting hasn’t prevented people from getting infected.’ And, yes, that is true,” he said. “But what we have seen is that the rates of people ending up in the hospital and dying have significantly decreased. As more people have been vaccinated, boosted or naturally infected, we are starting to see the background levels of immunity worldwide creep up.”It may take several weeks to get a sense of whether the latest omicron mutant may affect the trajectory of the pandemic. Meanwhile Dr. Gagandeep Kang, who studies viruses at India’s Christian Medical College in Vellore, said the growing concern over the variant underlines the need for more sustained efforts to track and trace viruses that combine genetic efforts with real world information about who is getting sick and how badly. “It is important that surveillance isn’t a start-stop strategy,” she said.Luo said BA.2.75 is another reminder that the coronavirus is continually evolving – and spreading.“We would like to return to pre-pandemic life, but we still need to be careful,” she said. “ We need to accept that we’re now living with a higher level of risk than we used to.”___Ghosal reported from New Delhi. Ungar reported from Louisville, Kentucky.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.